FossiBot F2400: Packaging
The FossiBot F2400 came in a large glossy cardboard box with an image of the product as well as some of its specs and what it can do. We've tested a number of the best portable power stations, and weighing in at 23kg, this one is light enough that one reasonable person would be able move it comfortably and safely short distances
Opening the main box revealed the documentation and battery. The FossiBot F2400 itself was wrapped in a plastic sheath and sandwiched between two large polystyrene bumpers, top and bottom.
Once I was able to take the battery out and have a quick look, for the amount of power stored and output, its size is fairly diminutive compared to other similarly sized portable power stations, a plus in my book.
I noted an absence of any cables or accessories in a separate sack or pouch, though a quick look at the manual suggested a hidden compartment found at the top of the unit which housed all the accessories.
- An AC power cord with UK plug to charge the FossiBot F2400
- A 12v car cigarette plug to XT90 connector
- A MC4 connectors to XT90
FossiBot F2400: Fit & feel
The FossiBot F2400 came with a middle state of charge which is normal for its LiFePO4 chemistry for storage and transport.
The FossiBot F2400 weighs in at around 23kgs, it is made of a dark grey plastic material with a pretty stripey like texture all around, it comes with large rubberised feet to allow it to feel planted on any relatively flat surface.
Part of its design are two very large carry handles on either side to ease with transportation. The front, right and left sides are the main working parts of the battery that consumers would interact with various sockets and ports for charging and using.
At the front is the following (from left to right):
1 x 12v DC (max 10A) car port
1 x 12v DC (max 25A) XT60 port
2 x 12v DC (max 3A) Barrel sockets
large information LCD display screen
A large central LED light
1 x USB-C both capable of outputting 100w each
3 x USB-C, all capable of outputting 20w each
2 x USB-A with Quick Charge 3.0
Power on/off button and;
Lastly the silver dial is used to manually adjust the rate of charge of the unit when plugged into a charging source.
On the right side of the unit are:
3 x UK sockets providing 230v with a total combined sustained output of 2400w
On the left-hand side are the units input ports, AC input via a standard IEC C13/14 socket and DC Input via an XT90 socket as well as an over load protection button used if the AC is overloaded, think like a surge protector.
While not marketed as having an IP rating nor being waterproof, at most the FossiBot F2400 is splash proof. All sockets have captive rubber gaskets over them and the intake and exhaust fans do have covers to prevent dust and water ingress.
FossiBot F2400: In use
Having taken receipt of the FossiBot F2400 it needed to be charged to be properly used, my first delight came at the use of a standard IEC C13/14 socket and connector as these are ubiquitous in the world. Plugging it in, it came straight to life and began charging. At default the silver dial is turned all the way to the max, the unit drawing 1100w from the grid began to charge and indicated that it would be done in about 45 minutes.
I noted that when charging or using the product, the manual stated that the fan intake and exhaust flaps need to be opened. These are manually lifted up like a sort of awning on either side of the unit making it look like short, stubby wings. At peak charge rate, the fans gave a quiet whirr but nothing distracting.
On plugging the first 240v AC item into, I spent a few minutes trying to figure out how to turn on the AC output, looking at the front and twice at the right side where the UK plug sockets were. It was then I spotted a tiny little button above the flap which activated the AC sockets. A dark rubber button, on a dark plastic body near enough behind a dark plastic flap does not make an easy spot. I would suggest that the appropriate buttons are highlighted in some way to ease use.
I found FossiBot’s decision to use non-proprietary plugs and sockets for the AC and DC charging on the F2400 a brilliant choice, if you were to lose either or both cables the you would be able to source them from other places often for not much or you may have them lying around already.
What I did find odd was the inclusion of the two 12V, 3A barrel sockets.
I am used to seeing these as power inputs for various small electronic devices, not outputs. Though I am sure you could make or rig a barrel plug to another via some wire, I would assume most people would just plug such devices into the normal 240v socket using the conventional wall wart AC to DC adapter.
The FossiBot F2400 can be charged from multiple sources and even allows through charging where it can provide power to a device whilst itself is charging. Of course, it can be charged from the grid using the provided AC charging cable, it can be charged via DC using the provided cables from either a car or Solar Panels.
The large LCD display screen was very useful in monitoring live energy input/output. The screen displays the percentage of battery remaining, roughly in time how much is left depending on the discharge. However it does not give figures for each specific discharge. The LCD screen will tell you what you’re using such as AC or USB output but if you're running both it just gives you the discharge for both lumped together.
Lastly, in the middle is a large, white square which houses the LED light in the unit. It won't light up a room but will be enough for most people to light up a small area such as a camping stove area or inside of a tent easily to let you see around. Pressing it once turns it on, twice makes it flash the well known “SOS” light sequence and pressing it a third time gives you a steady strobe of about 1 flash every half a second. The light has a warm white appearance similar to an incandescent bulb.
A noted and useful feature is that this battery can be used as a UPS providing power to equipment in the event of a grid power loss with near instant switchover and true sine wave output as some equip is sensitive to stepped wave inputs.
Final verdict
Overall I enjoyed using the FossiBot and think it would be an excellent unit for those that often go adventuring, camping or on long car journeys. Whilst it isn’t light to be carried long distances, its light enough that if you had to carry it from car to tent it wouldn’t feel too bulky. It’s a simple power bank, no app or other bells or whistles. I also cannot state the usefulness of the cable compartment in the battery as this keeps the whole thing neat and tidy.
